oktoberfest

You absolutely must go --it's a can't-miss experience. The beer is surprisingly drinkable, and there's also wine.

You don't have to pay to walk around or through a tent, but a seat inside on a Friday is impossible. In fact, you won't even be able to go in after about 5:30, as they fill up. Once the occupancy limit is reached, German rigidity kicks in. But the outside decks are much more pleasant anyway - inside is very smoky, loud and rowdy for non- Muencheners.

So, tour some tents as early as possible, stroll the grounds and soak up the atmosphere, then find a seat at a table on a deck and order "ein Maas und ein Pretzel" (or"zwei", for 2)from a harried waitress. Toast your neighbors, and you'll soon have some new friends. Have another beer.

Once you're settled, you might as well have dinner--the food is surprisingly good. Roast ox, roast pork, roast chicken(Hend'l-a Bavarian specialty) and, of course, sausages. Have another beer. You'll soon get into the spirit!

Have a great time at Oktoberfest. Going for an hour or so for a walk around, a beer and a pretzel is probably your best option. Some things to consider:

- You'll find free seats with other patrons at the long tables in the middle of the tents.
- The food in the tents is fairly expensive, a meal is usually meat and potatoes and costs $20 Euros easily.
-Outside there are many booths selling various foods, sweets, and nick-knacks. get a good pretzel(ein bretzen)here.

- A friday is fine, but I'd go there around dinner time, 5-8pm. After that it becomes a bit unruly since everyone's had hours to drink. The "gestapo-ish" security haul off many foreign drunkards throughout the evening.
- You don't have to order the huge 1 liter beers (ein Mass). You can get the half liters which are drinkable. The big ones tend to get warm by the time you're half through.
- With so many people,the bathrooms are gross, avoid if possible!

Have fun,

Jason